As with the first series, this is only for baseball lovers since at least 80% of the screen time is either baseball game or people talking about baseball. If you can't sit through an entire baseball game, this is not a series for you. Watch "Cross Game" or "One Outs" instead.
STORY: 8/10
The previous series had introduction of characters and a demonstration of what a pitcher with perfect control combined with a highly analytical catcher can do as a battery. This time, it's about how reliance on the catcher and planned strategy can be beaten.
I would say the logic and analysis of players are rational and interesting, but I felt how being able to read the next pitch gave players the ability to hit something like .800 batting average was unrealistic. Knowing the next pitch and its course is a huge advantage to batters, but it's not likely students in high schools (not even known to be powerhouses) are capable of driving them to exact positions they want.
ANIMATION: 6/10
Slight improvement from first series. More details in the background and smoother motion, but overall same style and character design. Considering 2 years have passed... animation is unimpressive.
SOUND: 7/10
BGM is pretty average. Unremarkable types that you tend to miss for the most part, but picks up in the inspirational moments. I seemed to notice the trumpet cheering squad more often, playing traditional theme music for high school baseball tournaments as well as summer Jpop like Natsumatsuri by Jitterin' Jinn / Whiteberry.
Mihashi's voice was extremely annoying, but it was intended, and the seiyuu did a really fine job. Remaining cast also sounded like they should, but nothing out of the ordinary.
There was a huge improvement in OP/ED in my opinion. Songs are a lot catchier, and has the summer feel to it with refreshing lyrics.
CHARACTER: 9/10
Mihashi's character is so irritating! He gains a bit more confidence, and starts to open up a little bit, but it just takes so damn long for him to speak out every word! I guess this is intended since it makes me sympathize with Abe's frustration. This doesn't make Mihashi any less annoying though.
Character development was done really well in this series. Nishiura had teamwork and trust on surface, which was nearly forged in an instant in last series, but this season is where the real trust is earned.
Trust in teammates is always tested in times of difficulty and hardship. Players' doubts and the losing game this season leading to realization of mistake and improved team integrity was depicted really well.
They really took their sweet time in developing the characters, dedicating a whole series for a single issue, just like the first series. I really need to re-watch all the series before the final season of "Ookiku Furikabutte" to get a whole picture of Mihashi's slow maturity.
ENJOYMENT/OVERALL: 8/10
This is not really their fault, but it must be said: 13 episodes are not enough!
"Ookiku Furikabutte", at least so far, is unique in that it is truly a baseball anime, no romance, no school life, nothing else. However, it offers exceptionally thorough, albeit turtle-paced character development, analytic baseball, and couple of those heartwarming, inspirational moments.
Fortunately, the final two episodes screamed of sequels, and I will definitely be looking forward to them.
